You must have heard that the wines from the routes treaded by Karađorđe himself are one of the oldest high-quality wines in Serbia. But have you heard that this magical grape concoction has been internationally acclaimed?
It’s very hard to decide which one of the nine wine routes of Serbia hides the best wines. However, the fertile hill above Topola is certainly in the very top. Oplenac is a place in which natural and cultural riches coexist in harmony. Together they create fresh air and the most fragrant grapevines from which wines of a unique aroma, taste and colour are produced.
The visitors of the London Wine Fair had the opportunity to check these qualities of the Oplenac wines. It was on this occasion that the world renowned wine expert Tom Stevenson ranked the Oplenac wine route in the top 5 top-notch international wine production regions of the future.
Many investors and wine lovers shared his opinion and as a result there is a growing interest each day for the starting of new and the development of the existing vineyards in the “heart of Šumadija”. The world’s best tennis player Novak Đoković, former professional basketball player Predrag Drobnjak, Canadian and Russian investors are just some of those who decided to plant vines in Oplenac.
King Petar I Karađorđević planted the best grapevines from all of Europe on the 30 acres of land on the slopes of Oplenac. A couple of years later, Aleksandar, his son and heir to the throne, established the King’s wine cellar (Kraljev podrum), which is even today one of the biggest attractions of the Oplenac wine route.
Wines from the “Aleksandrović” winery have also received positive reviews from all those who tasted them. This wine house from the village of Vinča near Oplenac, produced “Trijumf”, the first wine for the global market, using the recipe from one of the King’s cellar winemakers. He left the recipe to this family, and they perfected it over time while also adding their unique stamp to it.
Still nobody can tell with certainty what is the secret of the unique taste of these royal wines. It could be the ideal combination of fertile soil, quality grapevines and traditional recipes. This is surely why the Oplenac wines have protected geographical origin and rank high on the international wine list.
THE FIRST campaign in Serbia was produced by the “Aleksandrović” winery. The wine, known under the popular name of “šumadinac”, won gold medals in 2014 and 2015 on the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championship in London. According to expert opinion, this sparkly wine from Šumadija rivals acclaimed French champagnes.
Recognition from Tom Stevenson and increasing demand for wines from the “Serbian Toscany” are both great indicators of progress and development of Serbian viticulture. Ten years ago there was only one winery on the aforementioned territory, and now there are over ten. Furthermore, these wines have found their place on many highly selective international menus.
For over four decades Topola has been host to the Oplenac harvest. This festivity is organised to honour grapes, wines, vineyards and wine makers. In the period of three days many exhibitions and competitions take place, and the main street is full of with ethno shops brimming with grapes, wine, fruit, souvenirs and antique handmade products.
If you want to check whether all that we’ve said here is true, we strongly recommend you visit Oplenac and enjoy the nature, venture into some cultural sightseeing and, of course, indulge in the best wines!
Related Articles
